Bodybuilding Supplementation

Question: Bodybuilding: BCAA supplementation? What happens when you stop taking BCAA for a year or so but you still go to the gym? Do you loose the muscle you've gained while taking it or you keep your gains?

Answer: If you're eating a decent diet, nothing should happen and you don't need BCAA supplementation as you should be getting them in your diet.

Question: I am 13, is there any bodybuilding supplements I can safly take? my parents say that i should not do supplementation yet, but i have been doing weights and boxing for 2 years now. by the way am looking for a girl...

Answer: there is no point using any sort of supplements at your age it would make no difference. At your age you should let your body develop with out any supplements otherwise it will screw your muscles up when you are older! just keep at the boxing and weights and let them develop naturally i would wait until your 16 at least thats when they begin to develop at a quicker rate. Good luck with the girl.

Question: Female Bodybuilding Question(s) #2? Hello everyone. I would like some information, tips, advice with regard to female bodybuilding. Again, I dont mean eating a bowl of Kashi, running a few miles, and doing some girl push-ups. I mean full fledge female bodybuilding. I know a little about diet, and a little about supplementation, but not enough yet. I recently overheard two gigantic men at my gym talking about perfect times to take protein at, I dont mean at bed-time or right when your finished working out, they mentioned somthing about taking protein in conjunction with simple carbs, as it will spike your insulin levels making your muscles more apt and open and utilizing all the protien. These are the types of little tips and tricks I would like. Also, for you female bodybuilders out there, do you reccomend a little ephedra in conjunction with an aspirin. The aspirin to thin the blood out and cause better blood flow, and the ephedra as a broncho dialator and for energy? Thank you all very much, please be polite : )

Answer: Katie, first congrats on your interest in female bodybuilding. Very cool. More women should take it up. Second, there are tons of online resources for learning about bodybuilding, in general, and female bodybuilding, specifically. Bodybuilding.com is a pretty good starting place. It has a fair amount of content for women, specifically. There are some differences between men and women when it comes to bodybuilding (mostly around hormonal conditions) but in general, the same principles of weight training apply to both genders. Be somewhat wary of where you get your advice, however, since there are plenty of myths floating around out there (especially around the gym floor and on certain message boards.) Look for multiple sources of information and use your head. There are also a couple of good magazines you might check out, including Muscle and Fitness Hers and Oxygen (not Oprah's TV network -- it's a female fitness magazine.) Both of these magazines take basic weight training and bodybuilding principles and put a female spin on them. They include illustrated workouts, nutrition tips and muscle-building diets. In tems of aspirin and ephedra: First of all, you can't legally buy ephedra in the United States. So unless you are buying it online illegally, I'm not sure where you expect to find it in the first place. Also, there are some serious health risks with ephedra usage. Aspirin has been part of traditional bodybuilding supplement "stacks" for some time. However, the research on this is mixed and not conclusive. As a beginner, I would focus all of your attention right now on diet (eating clean and eating the right mix of macro-nutrients) and on your weight training regimen. Some supplements can help (creatine, for example), but they really shouldn't be of concern to you until you become more experienced in the gym and build a good foundation. Supplements, in general, are overrated. The little gain they give you is miniscule in comparison to the bigger gains you get from good weight trainining technique and a clean diet. The exception would be whey protein, which can help even beginners fill some of the nutrition gaps in their diet. Best of luck!

Question: Teenager wants to start bodybuilding, but needs to hide it from his family. He'll really appreciate your help A teenager came into my gym today and started talking to me. I don't wanna give out his name, but he's 15, and a little on the chubby side. He said he wanted to find somebody who looked like they knew about bodybuilding, and he saw me and said that i looked like the best guy in the place to help him. Well, he said that he really wanted to start bodybuilding, but he didn't think that his family, friends, or anybody really would support him in it, and would start to find him weird for wanting to do so. He wanted to know if there were any ways that he could start bodybuilding, but have an affective way to hide its. He also has a concern that because he won't be able to get the right supplementation or nutrition to make his lifting worth anything. He thought about waiting till college, but he said he'll most likely go to a local state-school and is still worried about hiding it. Do any of you guys on here have any advice that i can share with my new friend?

Answer: I think he should join a swim team. and then use the weight room at school. as for nutrition. Like what are we talking about? Like his parents don't feed him good food? just tell him to tell his parents that he wan'ts to start eating better. So in a nut shell: Join a swim team (that will hide that working out) Eat healthy Use the school weight room.

Question: arachidonic acid supplementation? I am interested in taking the product from Molecular Nutrition called X Factor. http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/mn/xfactor.html theres a link with its info. do Arachidonic acid cause inflammation? what would be and side effects, if any, for someone that has controlled asthma (on a scale of 1-10 about a 3)? if arachidonic acid is found in foods, why is it harmful to inflimatory problems?

Answer: Arachidonic acid is in peanuts. If peanuts affect your asthma, then avoid arachidonic acid.

Question: BodyBuilding Supplements(bulking up and mass size)? hi guys, just have a question about supplements as i have decided to not do steroids and just do supplements. Can you please tell me supplements i need. i.e creatine, protein, l glutamine, test boosters, growth hormones I need to have for supplementation. Will i get same gains as if i were using steroids? Also is there a really good all in onelike cyclone(maximuscle). Anyway jsut tell me the ones you think are nessecery for mass building and with these supp's how long until i see a noticable differncein size. thanks. Aspiring bodybuilder(19years, 70kg, 184)

Answer: Don't be a pillock

Question: To nutritional experts: Is this vitamin supplementation safe? I am beginning a new workout/diet regimen and am planning to take all three of these at the same time (given below). My question is...is this safe for the body to do? Is it a smart decision? 1) http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/opt/anti.html 2) http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/sea/pure.html 3) http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/opt/men.html Thanks so much to anybody who is able to give helpful suggestions and opinions!

Answer: A multi-vitamin, Fish Oil and antioxidant supplement.....there is no reason they can't be taken together....a multivitamin is always a good thing....as is Fish Oil....the anti-oxidant is okay, but not something I would spend a great deal of money on.....blueberries, red or black seedless grapes, and green tea are excellent antioxidants themselves.

Question: Supplementation while cutting body fat? What bodybuilding supplements should I take while I'm cutting? I know creatine could potentially cause you to retain water, so I've cut that out...sort of. My "Super Advanced" whey protein has creatine in it. Meh. So does my NO (nitric oxide) supplement. Here's what I'm taking right now: Whey protein (contains creatine) N.O. Fury (contians creatine, 110 mg (coffee cup's worth) caffeine) Lipo 6 (fat burner, contains 200 mg caffeine, taken twice a day) Glutamine Should I cut out the N.O.? I'm a bit worried that that's too much caffeine, so I'm being careful to avoid any extra sources.

Answer: Stimulants will make you gain weight in the long run and it won't be muscle, either. Please be wise. Use healthy methods by consulting body builders who have trained the stars. They tend to go the healthy route, because they know its long term and it works. So, no fads, no junk products. Education is key.

Question: Should I Get More Supplements? I'm bodybuilding, currently bulking, this is what my supplementation looks like for the day: Pre-Workout: Scoop of Whey protein mixed with water Post-Workout: Scoop of Whey protein mixed with water Before Bed: Scoop of Casein mixed with milk, banana, and organic all natural peanut butter Questions: 1) Can I do well without creatine? 2) Should I add a scoop of Casein post-workout in addition to Whey? 3) Should I take any supplements at another time? My protein other than these times comes from foods pretty much. I think my breakfast is high enough in protein, I have 3 whole eggs on white bread, and a bowl of oatmeal. I'm only aiming for 120 grams of protein, by the way, I'm 120 pounds, hence I am bulking...and I don't want to go overboard because I only have one kidney.

Answer: 1. Yes you can do fine without it. I have noticed minimal benefits from creatine. 2. No, that will slow down overall absorption post workout and that is not what you want. Also remember Casein releases very slowly, so there really is no reason to have it after your workout, before bed is the ideal time. 3. I am assuming you take in a Multivitamin already. Other than that, you could consider a post workout shake, they have all the protein and fast acting carbs in them already for you. But that is kind of optional. I am liking the taste of the Surge i bought. I'd agree it is probably better to play it safe and not go overboard with protein since you have only 1 kidney. 120 should be fine.

Question: Muscle Building Diet.? I found this bodybuilding diet online: Sample Bodybuilding Diet For Men Meal 1 (7 AM) 1 cup of dry oats mixed with water 1 cup of egg beaters Meal 2 (9 AM) Meal replacement packet like Prolab's Lean Mass Complex (which has a 40/40/20 nutrient ratio) mixed with water or a protein powder (with around 40 grams of protein) mixed with 40 grams of carbs from cream of rice, grits, or oatmeal. 1 Tablespoon of Flaxseed Oil (Spectrum brand is best) Meal 3 (12 Noon) 1 cup of brown rice, or medium sized baked potato, or 1 cup of oatmeal 2 cups of green beans, broccoli or any other desired vegetable 6-8 ounces of chicken, turkey, or lean fish Meal 4 (3 PM) Same as Meal 2 Meal 5 (6 PM) 1 cup of brown rice, or medium sized baked potato, or 1 cup of oatmeal 2 cups of green beans, broccoli or any other desired vegetable 6-8 ounces of chicken, turkey, or lean fish Meal 6 (8 PM) Same as Meal 2 Recommended Basic Bodybuilding Supplements For Men (Essential to take) Definitely make sure that you cover at least the basics of supplementation which are a Multiple Vitamin and Mineral formula, 3 grams of Vitamin C split in 3 equal servings throughout the day, 200mcg of Chromium Picolinate, and essential fatty acids coming from either fish oils, flaxseed oil or extra virgin olive oil. Also, for convenience purposes a good meal replacement or protein powder is a great way to add valuable calories and nutrients to your diet But it doesn't tell you what you should drink with these meals.Should it be water with all of them?? I know that water is a an important part of a muscle building diet. Also is this a good plan to follow? If someone followed this plan,how long would it take to see muscle growth?? If they are 5'7 125lbs. 20yrs old.

Answer: dude i am trying to loose weight and having success i think if you and so far meal 5 is the only meal i can see that would help you and even then you want to workout but as far as the oatmeal thing it is to fill you up but if you eat several small meals throughout the day which is what you have planned and for your first meal fresh fruit and juice second meal protein shake and protein bar if you desire 3rd meal the brown rice or potatoe water or smoothie 4th meal same as meal 2 5th meal maybe another smoothie or protein shake and 6th snack like protein bar/ shake but you want to make sure you eat healthy forget the pills and stay away from steriods and take care of yourself i just don't agree with the oatmeal thing it is used as a filler in this diet so you don't feel hungry and if you feel hungry eat something take care and hugs

Question: Teenager wishing to become bodybuilder, but needs to be able to hide it. He'll really appreciate your help A teenager came into my gym today and started talking to me. I don't wanna give out his name, but he's 15, and a little on the chubby side. He said he wanted to find somebody who looked like they knew about bodybuilding, and he saw me and said that i looked like the best guy in the place to help him. Well, he said that he really wanted to start bodybuilding, but he didn't think that his family, friends, or anybody really would support him in it, and would start to find him weird for wanting to do so. He wanted to know if there were any ways that he could start bodybuilding, but have an affective way to hide its. He also has a concern that because he won't be able to get the right supplementation or nutrition to make his lifting worth anything. He thought about waiting till college, but he said he'll most likely go to a local state-school and is still worried about hiding it. Do any of you guys on here have any advice that i can share with my new friend?

Answer: Unless you guys are going to make it like a bad early-2000's sitcom (he starts to get slimmer, so he wears a fat suit, but then his dad wants to take him down to the lake for a swim! What should he do??), then there's pretty much no way to mask that. Just tell him that he probably cannot hide his bodybuilding, and that his family and friends should be able to accept the fact that he wants to make his body healthier. At least his parents will appreciate the fact that he wants to overcome his weight, right?

Question: Can I go to gym 5 months after humerus fracture? Full power? Am 17. It was 26th March this year. The doctors were good but they never seen spiral fracture (note that this is not happening everyday in my country) so I got plate, screws(7 i think) and something else, don't know what it's name on english, but its blocking my triceps, lowers heads. Anyway, I was going to gym before fracture and gained around 40 pounds in 8 months (without supplementation or steroids, hardcore mass training :). Anyhow, its been 5 months and 10 days since fracture, and two months ago (7th july) I was on checkup, X-ray etc, fracture was completely healed. So I wonder, can I hit the gym again (few yrs back doc told me I have lower bone density, but I don't go on sun much so can vitamin D help along with calcium). I cannot train triceps because of that "loop", but I would then completely devote to back and biceps. Can I? Also I wonder can screws unscrew with bicep/back training. Heh, I write this much because docs frightened me, they never saw spiral fracture, told I could lose motion in my entire arm for good :S, but I really like bodybuilding, and these 5 months, I am only sitting and getting fat:(.

Answer: hon, even though you're healed...the adhesions are not truly FULLY set until ~ 1&1/2 > 2yrs after initial injury;; you should have already had therapy to get you to the point of 3 months..but since you've been doing nothing...either ask for a PT referral from your doc to set you on course..or be progessive;; means you start from scratch @ your uppers like you've never worked out before (cuz frankly that's where your arm is @ this point);; concerning your other med condition, the SMART way is for a referral..then ya don't have to ask people that you have no idea what their credentials truly are..YA answerers...I work in PT..strongly encourage to go that route to get you started..they are there for education, & progression..ask a lot, get a lot more...good luck!! but you can absoluetly NOT go full force right now..cause for injury;; & the screws don't actually 'unscrew', but yes, to much too quick can cause shifting...one thing you DON'T need...

Question: 16, want to bodybuild, questions? 1. I am 16, 6'3 140 lbs. I have been training for 3 weeks. Is there any way to get big without supplementation? 2. Does anyone have a link to what reps/sets/excercises to work out to get a physique like a bodybuilder, "Johnnie O. Jackson". I know there is no secret potion to getting huge. Don't take this question as an easy way out, I just have no source of information on bodybuilding, so I was asking

Answer: http://bodybuilding.com, do a lot of research and find out what works best for your body.